My Formative Journey in Multi-Disciplinary Technology Leadership: Tips for Fellow Learners
Ram's Reflections | Technology Insights Series: Importance of continuous learning, diverse skills, and collaborative growth to drive innovation and success across various domains. - A 7-Minute Read 🚀
As I launch Ram’s Reflections: Technology Insights Series and share my journey in technology leadership, I want to start by offering insights, learnings, and experiences from the multi-disciplinary mindset that has shaped my 25-year career. This approach, driven by a spirit of continuous learning, has been a catalyst for my growth and has helped me adapt and lead across various domains. I believe it can be valuable for others on their own path. If my experiences resonate with you, I invite you to reach out for a chat about your growth and learnings.
People take various paths in their careers—some become specialists, others generalists, and some, like myself, embrace a multi-disciplinary approach. Each path is shaped by unique experiences and skills. By seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge across various domains, I have positioned myself to tackle new challenges and drive innovation. With over 20 professional certifications (stopped counting long ago 😀), I’ve deepened my expertise and enhanced my ability to lead confidently in diverse roles. This commitment to learning and adapting has allowed me to stay agile and resilient, fostering a leadership style focused on growth.
Below, I delve into various domains where I've applied a multi-disciplinary mindset, illustrating the breadth of experiences that have shaped my leadership journey. From honing technical skills to managing complex projects and driving transformational change, each area reflects a different facet of my continuous learning and adaptation. These diverse experiences have enabled me to develop a holistic approach to technology and leadership, which I hope will provide valuable insights for others navigating their own career paths.
Programming Languages, Databases, and ERP combined with Industry Domains
My journey in technology began with learning programming languages like Java, C++, and .NET and working with databases such as Oracle and SQL Server. Over time, I expanded my skills to include modern programming languages like Python, explored data engineering concepts, and delved into analytics and visualization. This strong technical foundation, fuelled by numerous technology certifications, was further enhanced by gaining functional knowledge in ERP systems, specifically in Finance, Supply Chain, and Human Capital Management functions.
By serving companies in the Financial Services, Telecom, Management Consulting, and Healthcare industries, I developed a comprehensive understanding of both technical and business aspects, enabling me to bridge the gap between technology and business effectively.
Project, Program, and Portfolio Management
As my career progressed, I transitioned into roles that required a deeper understanding of managing projects, programs, and portfolios. This shift was pivotal in developing my strategic planning and organizational skills. Project Management (PMP) concepts like cost management, schedule management, and risk management were essential in helping me oversee individual projects and ensure they were completed on time and within budget. Moving into Program Management (PgMP), I focused on stakeholder engagement, program governance, and benefits management to ensure that multiple related projects aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. In Portfolio Management (PfMP), I learned to strategically align projects and programs with organizational objectives, manage resources effectively, and optimize the portfolio's value through governance and performance management.Â
These experiences have been instrumental in enhancing my ability to lead teams, prioritize initiatives, and drive successful outcomes in complex environments.
Product Management, Agile, and Scrum Practices
As our organization restructured into product-focused groups, the frameworks I learned through the Certified Product Manager (CPM) and Agile and Scrum Master certifications helped me develop a product-focused mindset. These frameworks emphasized creating clear roadmaps, prioritizing features based on customer value, and using iterative cycles to stay flexible and responsive. Applying these principles allowed me to build stronger product strategies, speed up delivery times, and improve the quality of our solutions.Â
This approach also encouraged better collaboration across teams, ensuring we delivered products that met user and organizational needs.
Architecture, IT Operations, and Service Delivery
In architecture and IT operations, I utilized frameworks from TOGAF and ITIL Expert certifications to drive strategic initiatives. Using TOGAF’s Architecture Development Methodology (ADM), I developed architectural strategies that aligned IT systems with business goals while navigating legacy infrastructure and adopting modern technologies. On the IT operations front, I applied ITIL best practices to enhance service strategy, design, governance, and continuous improvement, which optimized resources and improved service quality.,Â
This expertise empowered me to make strategic decisions that integrated complex systems and ensured system availability and resilience. My combined knowledge of architecture and operations also allowed me to design new systems with operability and scalability in mind from the outset, creating robust, future-proof solutions.
Information Security and Auditing
The breadth and depth of my responsibilities in architecture and IT operations required a solid understanding of security principles, leading me to pursue knowledge as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). The CISSP framework, with its focus on security architecture, risk management, and incident response, equipped me to design, build, and operate systems with a security-first mindset. Meanwhile, the CISA framework emphasized IT governance, risk management, and auditing processes, allowing me to think like an auditor to ensure compliance.
By integrating these practitioner and auditor perspectives, I was able to influence strategic leadership decisions, ensuring our systems were secure, compliant, and aligned with regulatory standards and best practices.
Cloud Transformation and Cost Optimization
As cloud transformation became a key focus, I developed expertise in multi-cloud environments architecture, engineering, and security aspects, including Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Azure primarily, and AWS peripherally. This knowledge enabled me to lead cloud efforts across strategy, implementation, and operations. By leveraging the benefits of cloud platforms—such as scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency—I aligned cloud adoption with our business goals. My understanding of Cloud FinOps frameworks also allowed me to drive cost optimization initiatives, saving millions of dollars by maximizing resource efficiency and controlling expenses.
My ability to manage cloud resources efficiently and strategically has been instrumental in maximizing value while minimizing costs.
Data, Analytics, and AI/ML Domain - Putting It All Together
For the past 10+ years, I have been actively involved in the data domain, holding several progressive roles that led to my current position as the leader of the Enterprise Analytics function. In this role, I drive major transformation efforts using platforms like Google, Oracle, and UKG, integrating all the technical and strategic skills I have developed over time, as referenced above. My experience extends beyond technical expertise in data and analytics; it includes working within a matrixed organization, fostering collaboration, aligning with senior leader's vision, and effectively implementing data strategies.
This combination of long tenure, multi-disciplinary knowledge, strong relationships, and a collaborative spirit has been essential in successfully leading this function and driving impactful outcomes for the organization.
My Latest Knowledge Pursuit - Developing Formal Coaching Skills
Recently, inspired by my own mentors and the many people seeking my guidance, I began the journey to become a certified coach. I am pursuing certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), focusing on core competencies like active listening, solution-focused approaches, and understanding human behavior. This path is about enhancing my ability to help others identify their strengths and achieve their goals while also growing as a person and a leader. It’s also about fostering high-performing teams by empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that embracing a multi-disciplinary mindset and committing to continuous learning has been crucial to my growth as a leader. Each step—from mastering technical skills to navigating program management and developing coaching abilities—has equipped me with diverse tools to handle challenges and drive meaningful change.
Throughout these reflections, I’ve highlighted the importance of combining technical expertise with strategic thinking, fostering collaboration, and focusing on personal growth. I encourage fellow learners to remain curious, seek knowledge across domains, and value the power of strong relationships and teamwork. By doing so, you can create a lasting impact and lead with confidence and resilience.
If these thoughts resonate with you, please feel free to connect with me. I look forward to sharing insights and learning together as we continue our professional journeys.💬
About the Author: Ram Dittakavi, Sr. Director of Enterprise Analytics at Ascension, the largest non-profit healthcare organization, is a Multi-Disciplinary, purpose-driven Leader passionate about transformation, continuous learning, relentless improvement, and sharing insights for personal and professional growth through mentoring and coaching.